The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Visceral Fat and Cardiac Function in Obese Adolescent

• Published in: Journal of Physical Education and Medicine Vol. 4; no. 1; pp. 1 - 10
• Main Authors: PARK, Jae-Hyun, PARK, Jin-kee, KWON, Yoo-Chan, KIM, Ho-Sung, YOON, Mi-Sook, PARK, Sang-Kab, PARK, Hyuntae
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Journal of Physical Education and Medicine Editorial Committee 01.01.2003
• Subjects: Adolescent; Aerobic Exercise; Left Ventricular Function; Subcutaneous Fat; Visceral Fat
• ISSN: 1345-6962; 1883-0722; 1883-0722
• DOI: 10.11335/jpem.4.1

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of aerobic exercise on visceral fat and cardiac function. Furthermore we investigated the relationship between fat distribution and LV structure and function in obese adolescents. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the aerobic exercise training group (n=7) or served as controls (n=7). Aerobic training subjects exercised at 50-60% HRmax (1-4 weeks), 60-70% HRmax (5-24 weeks), for 60 minutes per day (duration), and 6 days per week (frequency). Abdominal fat volume measures consisted of subcutaneous fat volume (SFV), visceral fat volume (VFV), and VFV/SFV by CT (computed tomography). Subjects also underwent M-mode and doppler echocardiography to assess left ventricular size, mass and function. Paired t-tests were used to evaluate the difference in variables of interest at baseline and following 24 weeks of aerobic exercise. The 0.05 level of significance was the critical level for this study. Weight and body fat percentage (BF%) significantly decreased and lean body mass significantly increased in the aerobic exercise group. However, weight and BF% increased and lean body mass did not change in the control group. Abdominal fat tended to increase in the control group, while it significantly decreased in the aerobic exercise group. Insulin concentration was significantly decreased, but did not change in the control group. Most variables with regard to LV function were unchanged in the control group. However, whereas LVmass was not changed, FS and EF were significantly increased, and VO2max (ml/kg/min) was significantly increased in the aerobic exercise group. In addition, the 24-week aerobic exercise subjects reduced both visceral and subcutaneous fat. However, although the cardiac function of obese adolescents was also significantly improved, there was no change in LVmass.